He followed his guide closely, and when presently they emerged upon level sand, he overtook and walked beside her.
She slipped her hand into his.

"It's the lie of the quicksand that's puzzling," she said, "if you don't know it well." "I am in thy hands, O Queen," he made light reply.

"Lead me whither thou wilt!" She laughed--a low, sweet laugh of sheer happiness.

"And if I lead you astray ?" "I would follow you down to the nethermost millstone," he vowed.
Her hand tightened upon his.

She paused a moment, looking out over the stretch of sand that intervened between them and the little fishing-quay.